Hauritz hopeful of return

Despite an unbeaten century Nathan Hauritz knows only his bowling form will get him back in the Australia team.

Last Updated: 08/12/10 5:16pm

Spinner Nathan Hauritz is desperate to make a return to the Australian Test team, but knows it will be his form with the ball and not his recent 126 not out that makes the difference.

The Aussies are sure to make changes after their innings drubbing in Adelaide, and left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty's non-existent influence means he is prime candidate to be dropped.

Hauritz set a new mark for New South Wales nightwatchmen with an unbeaten 126 on the second day of a one-sided Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the SCG.

He batted all day to help the Blues build a 129-run lead, but knows all eyes will be on his bowling when the Redbacks' second innings begins.

Left out of the first two Ashes Test in favour of Tasmania's Doherty, Hauritz hopes to give Test selectors plenty to think about before they name their team for the third Test in Perth.

Dropped

"Whenever you're dropped you are always looking to perform well," he said. "I've been lucky enough to take some wickets (seven in the previous Shield match) and score some runs but the job's only halfway done.

"I've got to bat well tomorrow and bowl well on the last day.

"I was dropped (from the Test team) for not doing my role in the side. I've got to go back to first-class cricket and prove I can do that and restore the faith in the selectors and the captain.

"If you're taking wickets, scoring runs and playing the role they want you're put in their faces."

Asked if he felt he could have aided the Australians as they struggled to take wickets in the first two Tests, Hauritz said: "(I feel) there's always a role for me.

"I feel for the guys. It's very hard (to watch). They're great mates and it's been a tough time, especially for the bowling group. I know they will bounce back. They are a strong unit."

Selection

Whether that unit contains Hauritz in Perth - where he took seven wickets for the Blues last week - remains to be seen.

He was Australia's front-line spinner just two Tests ago but is now in limbo, with selectors unable to settle on their bowling attack and the team 1-0 down in the five-match series.

"It was a tough time for a coupe of days but I've moved on," Hauritz said of his axing. "The only thing I can do is bowl well, put the ball in the right areas.

"The most important thing is to play a role with the ball and win games on the fourth and fifth day."

On his Shield century, Hauritz added: "To bat all day is fantastic. It's a pretty special feeling. It will be something that will stick with me for a long time."